Uni-directional pump for automatic washer with recirculating and filtering system



5 Sheets-Sheet l L. F. ISRAEL, JR A l UNI-DIRECTIONAL PUMP FOR AUTOMATIC WASHER WITH RECTRCULATTNG AND FILTERING SYSTEM Feb. 16, 1960 Filed July 1e, 1956 INVENTOR.

LON F. ISRAEL JR.

BY l K y. A'

' TORNEYS MAAT T2 Feb. l, 1960 F. ISRAEL, JR 2,924,959

UNI-'DIRECTIONAL PUMP FOR AUTOMATIC WASHER WITH RECIRCULATING AND FILTERING SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 16, 1956 lm lllllllll INVENTOR. LON F. \SRAEL JR.

TO R NEYS Feb. 16, 1960 F. ISRAEL, JR 2,924,959

UNI-DIRECTIONAL PUMP FOR AUTOVATIC WASHER WITH RECIRCULATING AND FILTERING SYSTEM Filed July 16, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 llO G 19s 107 f l IH ,r/ "Q`: O ,.fh (q l 5B Ju" 1/l /50 O9 los 1 G0 O o |04 )O2 8| I l 4:

lOll l \\\\|I g l los 79 7a so 5o FROM TUB To DRAlN a. STORAGE TO FILTER l Il FROM TUB 2 UPPER PUMP INLET Im/ENTOR. LON F. lsRAEL JR.

AWM C Feb 16, 1960 L. F.|sRAE| JR 924,959

UNI-DIRECTIONAL PUMP FOR AUTOMATIC WASHER WITH RECIRCULATING AND FILTERING SYSTEM Filed July 16, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 JJ "wifi lNsE- PUMP our- DAMP DRY INVENTQR.

LON F. ISRAEL JR.

ATTORNEYS Feb. 16, i960 L.. F. ISRAEL, JR 2,924,959

UNI-DIRECTIONAL PUMP Foa AUTOMATIC WASHER WITH RECIRCULATING AND FILTERING SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 16, 1956 7 T7 VE 7777-77-1 Lon F .sme/ dz? @m Engg .obtaining'a machinev which will perform the 2,924,959 tened F91-` 199.1999

United vrates Patent Office r -wAsHER wrrnRE'cIRCULA'rING ANDSF rERING'sYsrnM 'l "IL I ion F. Israel, Jr., S t. Joseph, Mich., assigner to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation ofDelaware Application July 16, i955, senat No, 591,943 19 (cl. ss-is) The present invention relates to improvements in pumps and more specllically'to a pump system which is capable of lselectively pumping Ia fluid from any one of aV plural1ty of sources to any one of va' plurality of selected discharge locations.

In fthe domestic home laundry machine more desirable functions and results can be obtained if the machine is capable of performating automatically to completely Vcoritrol the handlingv` of'the washing iluids. In the handling of the Washing iluid otherl activities have been added 1n addition tolthe mere admitting of a washing iluid into the washer and' draining at the end of the washing period. These activities include automatically draining the Wash water from the washer at the end of the Washing cycle and at the end of each rinsing cycle and directing the sudsy Wash water to a su'dssstorage tank and the waste rmse water to a drain.` `The sudsy washing water is stored and automatically pumped back to the tub at the is desirable to filter the washing ywater rto remove lint andv other foreign materials' which are picked upI from sudsy water before it is returned to and will filter the the washer tub.' i

' Another object of the invention is to provide an improved multiple inlet multiple outlet unit pump construe- Another object of the invention is to provide an -mproved pump unit andvalve arrangement wherein a plurality of pumps can operate separately or individually and can also be operated in tandem to conduct lluid throughboth'pump units; l t f Another object of the invention is to provide an improved pump unit which 'is'diiven through a single operator andwhich can selectively pump fluid from Ia single source 4through either one-of the two pump units and from a plurality of `sourcesV can selectively pump the fluid to a `selected one` of"'a plurality of discharge' con'- duit-s.

Another objecty of the invention is to provide an improved pumping and 4conduit arrangement 'which' will improve the operation of1 returning thesudsy wash water to the tub from a storage chamber.

Other objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled 'in-theart 'and'those whohave knowledge Vof the present vinvention fromthe complete disclosure contained in the specicatiomclaims and drawings, in which like numbers'are used to indicate like parts `and in which:

end ot the washing opertinrtor use in a succeeding operation. In addition to -this handling ofA the fluid it` cessityV of providing driving means and controllmeans for each of the pumps lncluding valve means ,for controlling the flow throughtheV pump. This has greatly increased `the ,complexity of the lluid control system and'hasin- A'creased the cost, making it Inecessary ins'xoniev instances for economy andl space conservation to eliminate some ofA the desirable 'functions of lthe'.completely` automatic system. i

Y HV'Ille present'invention contemplates 4asone of its objects the provisionof'an improved pumping system which may 4be used in an' automatic domestic washer which is cap-able of performing all of the desirable functions and handling of `the'washingV lluid yet which is extremely simple in construction, thus reducing the space needed and theco'st of construction of the mechanism and also functions needed without adding excessive expense. i f

Another object of `theinvention is to provide animproved'apparatus which will lilter the washing fluid-dur'- ing the wahillgoperation. i v

A further object of the invention is to provide an irnproved pump for pumping thewashin-g lluid `to avsuds storage chamber and for :returning the suds for aisucceeding-washing operation. i

vA 'further objectof the invention is to provide a simple Y unit pump which'is`- operated through a single drive" and Figure l is a front elevational view of'an automatic washer system shown with a sink unit Awhich can be used for draining the iluid and for storing the sudsy Wash water between washing operations;

Figure 2 is a front elevational View of an automatic washer illustratingthe-preferred embodiment ofthe in- Ventiron; n 2 'i -Figure 3 .islan enlargedldetail vertical sectional view plete'thepumping system; f

Figurea is anuenlarged detailvertical sectional view cfa portion of Figure 3 illustrating-a'modied arrange'- v rFigure 'Z is another v iew ofFigureo withtheVl missing the Vprinciples of the invention.

The preferred embodiment of'the pumping system embodying' the invention is illustrated -in the'form of an automatic washer'. It is to b e understood, however, that the features, advantages, and methods of the invention maybe utilized in alternative embodiments and may be used in various Vlluid circulating systems and the details of the disclosure are therefore not to be taken as limiting. VFor purposes Vof illustrating the principles of the present invention, however, there is shown in Figures land 2 an'aut'omatic washing, rinsing and extracting machine ll'having a cabinetll forming an enclosure forv a tub I2 whichV is adapted, to confine a pool of liquid such las vvater'or laundry liquid, thereby restricting the pool of laundryI liquid within the conines offa treatment zone.

A receptacle or container indicated at 1`4 is rotatably mounted within'the tub 12 and the tub 1 2 is carried on cabinet on suspension links'll encased in rubber at their ends andy carried a corresponding plurality of sockets Y s592495@ f 5 of the cabinet (not shown) for damping oscillatable.

movement which may occur between the base and the cabinetV i. '51.111 i Suspended from the base 16 on a hanger bracketY 20 `isan electric motor 21 which operates as the drive motor .for the machine.'y VA power takeoffshaft. drives a motor y,andthe details. of such mechanism-will!l not be vdescribed hereinassuchdetails are not necessary to an understanding of the present inventiori The electrical components of the machine are energizedA from the Vusual domestic pulley 23 forming a component of a pulley system for driving the'rotatable components of the laundry machine.

A gear casing is indicated at 24 through which an oscillatable drive mechanism actuates an independently oper? able `washing element or agitator 26 located vinteriorly of the container or receptacle 14, and, hence, interiorly also iofthetub 12. A Y, -fv

The gear casing 24 is alsosuspended from the base 16 and is positioned infixed parallel-,spaced relation with respect tod-the base 16. AlthoughA not Anecessary lto ka proper understanding of the principlesofthe present invention, i't may be noted that thegearca'sing 24 isf-of a form utilizing two parts, a lower part housing anoscil- Alatable drive gearing for oscillatably driving the washing outlet indicated at 44 through aconductor `wire indicated at 46 (Figure 2). Y fv v As shown inlv Figure 1, the machineglis shown in proximityivto 'a 'lauiidi'y tubv or receptacle `47* particularly 'adapted 'to operate as a laundry liquid storage means or suds storage reservoir. YThe tub 12 has an outlet 48 (Figure 2). to which is connected a conduit 49 'leading to the pump of theepresent invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50. ALsecond conduit 51 leads from the pump 50 to a two-way valve 52. (Figure 1). From the two-way valve 52 lead's `a first conduit 53 having its end disposed within the receptacle 47.Y A second conduit 54 Yisconnected to the two-way valve 52 and leads to drain.V With a conventional type nlaundry stand, this @lement or agitator 26 and an upper part housing operating and control mechanism of the machine.

With respect to the .actuation ofthe washing element or agitator 26, however, there is shown an oscillatable drive shaft at 29 rotatably carried in the gear casing 24 in a boss at the lower partfof the gear casing 24. The shaft 29 is also journaled within a rotatable drive sleeve 30Y concentrically disposed within a stationary,l sleeve 31 and inwardly with respect to a hollow center post 32. The hollow center post 32 forms a closure for the central part of the bottom of the tub 12 and extends upwardly from the bottom of the tub 12. l

The sleeve 31 is carried in the hollow center post 32. The rotatable sleeve 30 provides a support for a hollow upright support member 33 attached iniirri'i assembly with the container or receptacle 14. Thus, the container or receptacle 14`is supported near itsfupp'eiend for f' v spinning. The washing element or agitator'ztlislocked to the upper end of the shaft 29`Yas at 34 and will be voscillatably driven upon 'corresponding oscillatablemovev ment of the shaft 29.

The rotatable sleeve' soY isjdrivea By' ttotivosheovoso or spin pulley, as it may bereferred'tohereirn mounted on the lower portion" ofthe sleeve 30 through a clutch ofthe friction-disk-type, the clutch being controlledy by suitable actuating mechanism well known to those versed intheartgi Y' l" Y .A driving belt 38 (Figures 2 and 3)`is trained over the vpulley 23 of the drive motor 21 and over the sheave or' pulley 36 operatively connected to the shaft 29,v thereby to rotate the container or receptacle 14 at a speed suitable for extracting liquidi from clothes contained therein upon actuation of the clutch mechanism. i

The belt 38 is also trained over a drive pulley 40 which constitutes the main drive pulley of Athe machine and which is fastened to a shaft (not shown) extending out of the oscillatable drive mechanism housed within the gear casing 24. It will be understoodthat the shaft 29 will be oscillatably driven by the motor 21 through the oscillating mechanism and a detailed descriptionof the driving mechanism does not appear to be 'necessary toV a proper explanation of the present invention.

It will be understood that the` washing machine 10 isv provided with a sequential controller for automatic operation 'of the machine through `a'vseries of washing, rinsingA y and extraction periods. f Thesequential'controller-.is particularly characterized b y. the. utilization of presettable means to selectively and automatically-actuate the driving means of the machine through a' selected-programing schedule. The actuating elementy or presettable means of 'the sequential controlleris indicated fon FigureA 1 byV the'reference'v numeral 42.` Arwateir temperature selecti'on means is vindicated at 43. Hot and. cold water froml the usual domestic supply is furnished to the machine Thereafter, the rinsing and eitractiilg procedures can be carried out inv the laundry machine 10. The stored laundry liquid is then available for further usein washf Iing additional batchesof materials tofbe laundered and is returned to the 4tub 12 bythe pump 50.`

Referring vnow to Figs. 3 ,throughl7A the Vdetails of the Y pump embodying the preferredforrn 'of-the invention will be described. The mechanical disposition of the pump .on the laundry machine with relation`tofthremairider of j the operative parts is illustrated in Fig.- 2.l The pump body is suitably securedltq the'gear; casing V24 andv shaft 5j9,'which is shownin the detailed' drawings of the pump7 arries -onthe end thereof a pulley 60 over which is threaded' a drivebelt 358i!` ,Acco`rdingly, whenever the motor isffop'erated', the` fpiilleyf60 and the shaft 59 will befunidirectionally rotated. d v 3' Thek b odyfis divided into ftw'o parts, withanu'pper por- Vtion 5 8 and ailovver'portion 57. The upper portion will berst described.

y jTlie up'p'er portion ofthe pumpbody 578 has formed thereinl'a volute pumping ohaifilerI A6,1` in which is rotated ai centrifugal impeller 62 fastenedfon the shaft 59 driven bythe pulley 60, 'see'Figf v The upper portion.of.thev casinghounsing SS` further includes a large boss 63, which provides a bearing housing indicatedgenerall'y at 64, as well as a space which shall be generally referred to as a distribution chamber 66 adjacent to the volute pumping chamber 61. The bearing housing seats one or more bearing sleeves indicated at 67. thereby journaling Ithe. shaft 5 9. VA hollow oil reservoir at one side of the bearing housing 64 is indicated at 68.' The; reservoir recess 69 is filled with a packing ma' terial 70. The packing'material is generally for the purpose of 'retaining oil and bears against the rotating shaft 59 to maintain'it in a lubricated state andA to vconduct oil to the bearing members 67, 67.,'A seal Findicated genervally by the number 73 is contained within the recess 74 at one end ofthe bearing housing. g

Referring now more particularly to 'Figures 3 and 6, it will be noted that the volute pumping chamber .61 is Of the: Usual scroll configuration;l however, there `is no tangenfl'lly disposedoutlet as in lan ordinary volute type Pump. Rather, there is an enlargedk dischargeV space Y indicatedat 75.1,*A chamber is provided by the'boss 63 f of'agenerally figure-8 shapedconfiguration consisting of hereins" an inlet recess 76: The recess 'LQ is in register with the eye of the centrifugal irnpeller 6 2 end extends generally concentricallyaround the' bearingl housingfl. The other lo'be of this` chamber constitutes what shall be referred to herein as the outlet recess 77: Canduit means having an openinsinopposite endsof the recess 7 7 include va first pump conduit 78 and ar second pump conduit 7 9. The rst and second pump conduits 78 and 79 constitute inlet and outletmeansfor the pump, In order t'o establish selective communicationbetween the first and seco-nd pump conduits 78 and 7 9 andthe inlet chamber 76 in theV discharge portion 7 5 ofthe volute pumping chamber, a distributor valve taking the form of, a butterfly valve 8 0 isprOvided. The butterilyvalye 8 0 iscarried on a shaft Sljournaled in the pump housing 8 and is; selectively angularly displaceable within the 01H1@t .recess 7 7 At the edges of the Vopenings leading into theoutlet recess 77 the first and second pump conduits 7 8 and 7 9 are provided, as integral Parts. 0f' the Casina withho'sses. 8 2 and 8@ having diametrically opposed pairsof shoulders S4 and 86., Thess Shoulders engage the adioningsdse portions of the blade 88 forming part of the butterlly valve- In the position of the butteryvalve 80 illust ra ted in Fig. e, the biaae ss Contatsihe shoulders s4, st theyebyl forming a passage Communicatinshe pump conduits?? with the inlet recess 76 whi1e forming a second passage communicating thelpurnplconduit 7 8 v vith the outlet portien 7.5 0f the volutpumping Chamber, Particularly that portion of the outlet ordischarge portion 7S registered with the outlet recess 11.-.

YBy angularly positioning the butterfly valve, in its second position with the blade 88 contacting and engaging theshouldcrs 8 6, 86, passage isv formed communicat-- ingthe pump conduit 7 8Y with the inlet recess 76 while establishing a separate passage communicating the outlet portion of the outlet recess 77 in register with the discharge portion 75 of the volute pumping chamber 61 with a pump conduit 79.

In order to insure that the sc :par'ateKI passageways estab-A lished by movement of the butterfly valve 80 will be sealed from one another,jthe rebyv to prevent by-passing of fluidflowing through the pump conduitsm78 and 79, a

separate insertable baille member 90 is employed. The

baille member 90isjmost `clearly illustrated in Fig. 7 and includes a curved wall91 which prescribes thelimits of the inlet recess 76 in'register with the eyeof the mpeller 6-2l as wellas pie-shaped portions on opposite sides thereof indicatedl ati v9 2 andY 93,respe ct ively, .fitting andengagingfagainst the boss portions 82 and 83, thereby totover-V lie'the portions of the outlet` recess 77 which must be separated from one another; On its inner surface the baille member 90 has ribs providing abutment surfacesV 94, 94 and 96, 96 forengagingthe adjoining edge portions of-the blade 88 on the butterfly v alve Y 80.

The baille member 90 also carries a terminal plug 97 which is'fo'rmed as an upstanding boss and which operates to separate a discharge portion 74 of thevolute pumping chamber 61 from the inlet portion of the volute pumping chamber. the boss 97.

An aperture 99 is also formed in the bale member 90 and snugly'receives the end of a shaft 81'in the butterfly valve 80.

When `th'e`baffle-membex90'is assembled in place, as

shown in Fig. 7, the open area left vbetween one set 'of the" abutment surfaces (thesurfa'ces'94 and 96).forms a side outletportfor' thevolute'pumping chamberl.v This port isindicatedinFig. 7r by-y the referencernumeral '1002 The shaft'8f1`on the butterfly valve" 'projects outwardlyof the housingforcasingfsi and'has connected thereto, lby means of a set" screw 101, a shutter' arm' 102; Figf14 Thefendfof-theshutter arm 102 islapert'ur'edfatf 103 and pivotally connects to the end of a tiefrd 104."A

A lightening-hole 98 is provided inlillV4 A linkage assembly isprovidd which includes pivoted lever member. 1106, The leverfineniber 106 has a pair of arms 107 and 108 .extending from one side of the pivot axis established at 109 journaled in the housing 58. The other end .ofthe tie rod 104 ispivotally connected to the ar m 10 7 a nd a toggle sp'ring110 is operatively connected between the' housing58 and the other arm 103.' Itwill be understood that thelever member 106 and the spring 1 10 have tv vo over cente r pos itions, corresponding tothe twopositions of adjustment of the butterfly valve 80, thereby biasing and retaining the leverI member 106 and the linlgage components associated therewith including thehutterlly valve to positions of adjustment.

'lhe levermember 106 includes a third arm 111 which projects rfrom the opposite side of the pivot axis established from the pivot pin.1 09'. In operation the pump S0 is selectively operated under control of a sequential controller y at diterent portions of the washing, rinsing, andextracting periods. as will laterbe described. The inlctand outlet ow through the pump conduits 78, 79 are elternatelyreversed through operation of the butterfly valve 8 0 thereby to supply and remove a pool of laundry liquid to and from the treatment zone as required for the washing, rinsing,` and extracting periods of the attachedto the upper housing 58 such as by screws 1142 arranged to pass through holes in the annular ange 116 at the edge of the housing 57. The flange 118 at v the base off the upper housingSS is threaded to receive the screws, and a separator plate 120 is clamped between the two housings to divide the pumping chamber 122 ofthe second or lower pump from the chamber 61 of the upper pump. The dividingmember 120 may be formed of circular sections of metal which may be reinforced by` sealing members such as rubber or cork diaphrag'ms.

While ,th'e ow throughthe upper pump is bi-directional withthe directional'ow of liquid being controlled bythe position of the buttery valve 80, the ow through the lower pump is unidirectionah Liquid passesV into' the pump Vthrough the inlet port`124.which enters at the boreof the hub of the impeller 112. The uid leaves the' pump, through the discharge port 126 which leads s tangentially from the toroidal casing. The relative posi- 5 tions of'the inlet port 124 and the discharge port 126 are shown' in the detailed drawing of Fig. 3 as well as the external view of Fig." 5. The discharged fluid from the second lower pump is directed out through the discharge port 126 'through the discharge conduit 128.

Each o'f the ports 78`and"`79 of the upper pump 113, and the inlet pont 124 and the discharge port 126 of the lower pump 115, are in the form of short lengths of conduit. Eachof these conduits is shaped and sized so as to be connected to' a pipe or tube or conduit which will` conduct'th`-uid either to or away from the port. As is' illustratedin detailin Fig. 3, in connection with the" inlet port 124, theports are integral withthe pump housing'wh'ich' may be inthel form of annular metal bossesv 130 over which maybe telescopically slid a rubber'tube or'hose 132 which comprises thev inlet conduit for the' port 124.- t

Thedis'ehar'ge conduit" 128' forv the' lower pump 115 leads 'upwa' rdly through" the washingmachine cabinet a filter 134 which is sopbsitioned so as to feed thefluid directly into the tub 12. The fluid which is circulated by the lower pump 115 is thus 'forced through the dis-- charge conduit 128vinto the filter 134-to flow down into the tub 12. v- Y The intake conduit 132 for the lower pump 115 is connected to the intake conduit 49 ofthe first pump, this being connected to the intake port 78 of the first pump and to the tub. The intake conduit 49 for the first pump leads upwardly to connect to and receive the fluid. that flows out ofthe tub 12. The intake conduit-132 for the lower pump connects to the intake conduit 49 for the upper pump at a point midway between-the con-` nection of a conduit to the tub and to the pump. For connecting the two conduits a special'T-shaped fitting 136 is provided which may be formed of aluminum, another metal, or plastic. The upper portion of the first intake conduit 138 which connects the tub is formed of rubber hose and the lower portion 140 is also formed of rubber hose. The connector member 136 is T-shaped and is positioned so that the outlet 142 of the T projects upwardly. This position permits the fluid to flow in body portion 144 downwardly in the sloping ,conduitV 140 without ,running out through the outlet'142. Thus, if liquid flows from the tub it will flow down through the conduit without passing out through the outlet .142 unless the lower portion 140 of the conduit is blocked by setting the butterfly valve 80 in a Yposition tofmake the conduit 140 thedischarge for'the pump, thus preventing water from entering the upper' pump. l y f The T-shaped connector member 136 also carries a check Vvalve V146 which is hingedly attachedat'itsctop edge 148 at a location betweenthe tub and lthe connection of the intake conduit 132 for the' lowerpump. An annular ridge 150 extends -around the inside of the connector member 136 above the check valve" so that the 'depending check valve 146 will seat againstthe flange and prevent theflow of fluid back to the washer when the fluid flows in that direction. By the action of the weight of the valve 146 and the flow of the fluid from the tub, the valve s swung'to open positionA when the fluid flows out of the tub toward the lower pump 115;-y

The flow of water from the tub is indicated by the solid line arrows 152. When the butterfly valve 80 is set so as to reverse the flow of fluid through the upper pump 113 the fluid 152 coming down out ofthe tub cannot pass downwardly through the intake conduit 49 to enter the upper pump because it will be blockedby the revolving impeller 62. The fluid will then pass outwardly through the intake conduit 132 for the lower pump and be forced upwardly by the pump through the discharge conduit 128 to be circulated through the filter 134 at the top of the washer. When the butterfly valve 80 is set in the other direction :however so as to permit the flow lthrough the upper pump 113 to be in the .usual direction, the fluid will flow down past the outlet 142 of the connector member 136 along the base of the inlet conduit 140.` Thus with normal operationof. the `pump and the butterfly valve in its normal position. the fluid flowing out of the tub will pass into theupper pump through the intake conduit 49 and be discharged through the discharge conduit 51 .of the upper pump as is shown in Fig. 1. i

lf the buttery valve.80 isset in the pump reversal position and fluid is present in the suds storage chamber, and the two-way valve 52 is set to the proper position, the fluid willbe, drawn in through the discharge conduit 51 and discharge port 79 and pumped upwardly out through the intake conduit 49 of theupper pump following the dotted line path indicated by the arrows 154. The fluid flowing upwardly will close the Ycheck valve 146 and instead of flowing up into the washer tub 12 the fluid will ,flow in through theintake conduit 132 of the lower pump following the path of `the dotted arrows to passr upwardlyl and be discharged through the iilter134 at the top of the machine.

f In- Figu'reilia' a modified form ofthe T-shaped con.

nector ymember is illustrated with the depending check valve 146 omitted. This arrangement willralter the operation of the pump when-the sudsy fluid is being returned to the washer, but` the operation will remain the same when the fluid is being recirculated to the filter and when the fluid is beingV pumped from the tub -to the storage chamber. In the latter two operations, which recirculate and filter the fluid, or pump the washing fluid to a storage chamber, the check valve 146 is opened by the flow ofthe fluid in thedirection indicated by the arrows 152 in Figure 3. With the modication of Figure 3a, when the sudsy fluid isy to be returned to `the washer, the butterfly valve is set in the pump reversal position and the fluid will be pumped by the upper pump out through the intake conduit 49. When the fluid reaches the T-shaped connection 136 it will divide, with a portion passing up through `the conduit 138 and the remain# der passing through the outlet 142 of the T-shaped connector member 136. The fluid which passes up through the conduit 138 will be returned directly to the tub 12 and-the fluid which passes through the conduit 142 will duits Vand a dual pump system is utilized for achieving4 a rapid return Vof the fluidy through the conduit means.

Thus, it will be seien that with the pump turning in a single direction three combinations of fluidf'ilow can be`- obtained.`V In Vthe firsti combination, as previously described, the butterfly valve 8.0 is set inethe reverse position for the upper pump 113. If nov fluid is 'available to the discharge conduit 51 ofthe upper pump, the pump will rotate without pumping fluid but will prevent the fluid from entering the pump. The fluid will f then flow out of the tub 12 following the path of the solidpline arrows'152, and not being able to pass into the upper pump through the inlet conduitl 49: against the revolving rotor, it will-pass through the inlet conduit 132 of the lower pump and becrculated up through the filter. Y e

In the second combination afforded by the pump unit the butterfly valve 80 isAV set 'in the same reverse position but fluid isavailable to the discharge conduit 51. The impeller 62 ofthe upper pump will then draw fluid and force it -out throughf the inlet conduit49 to close the checkalve 146 and force the fluid down through the lower pump. v

The third flow combination is achieved 'by turning the butterfly valve 80 to the fo1ward flow position for the upper pump. The-liquid then flowing out of the tub 12 will by-pass the outlet 142'0f the connector 136 and not enterptheintake conduit 132 of the lower pumpbut will continue to flow through the intake'conduit 49 of the-'upper pump to be discharged outthe discharge conduit 51 to pass either into the suds storage tank through line 53 as shown in Fig. 1 or to drain through line 54 depending upon the setting of the twoway valve 52. f Y

' This'operation of the multiple unit pump is very susceptible to use with anv automatic washer. The sequential control mechanism wll control the positionof the butterfly valve 80 to utilize the unit pump in first, obtaining a continuous circulation of the washing water through. the filter during the washing operation, second draining thexwater from the tub to pass itto the suds storage chamber at the y end of the washing operation, and third kreturning the suds tothe washer for a succeeding washing operation but insuringy that the suds willube ,passed throughy the filter to be cleaned before beine reused-g; i.

. With reference toFig seguenge, oi operations "be seen from.:

of! thoautomaitio wttstiiirA machine 'ma the` diagram Athrc shovfvn.' hefinultiplle tinit., pump of course will operate on v d ing*y thef 'time 'that the` motor isrinoperatoiiiand d rivingct rdrive'shaft 59;.of. the pump# The darkenedI portions of the chart illustrate lthe time when the .Iritoris` in operation y nd'fthe pump. lw'ill operf` period," the Wash period, the

Y pass 'thefsuds through theflowerl up1V through the filter 134'. Tlnisthe fsudsyl wateiivill be strained and iilteredl before it can bev used for the 'next washingv oper lon. The pump. is-4 thentui'rl'cd olforfth additional tll wherein additional hot Water in Y be added` toi 'the sudsy` Water, inthe tub, The'water and purripl ane then,y started!for"` the vvash periodY and sinceY the suds ifeturntanlfifslnovv empty no iluid'Nvill 4beflov'ving through terfly valve 80; andoperation', ofr the@A pump rotor the iiuicl co ing, down from, the, washer tank Icannot eri-ter 'the BIERE-91h13. but A`will instead pass through the intake? con-l duit 132,A of' the. lofvveijl pump, to be pumped up Ythroughr the discharge. "clonduitlZS; to be continuously circulated tli'rmgli` thefiilterr 134 duringfthe yv'vfashing' operation.

Thus' nyum and o'thers'imiirmaterials that are ob-` tained` from the `clothes during thel Washingnoperation v vil "be, ,continuouslyA removed, from thefwa'ter by the water; being circ ated; elter. of course is o A riuso. Pttiod, is `roaiohttl; tho Pump. iSk again placedl in 4operation vand the butteriiyV valve 80` vis. A'placed ijnth'efreverse direction 'so` thatfthe fluid passing out of the t-ub pass downwardly through the .lowerA pump toA .be continually circ'iilatd, throughthe iilterthu's cleariing lthe ri vvater-lthat is being Vused vvithin the tub. When thermsilngfperiod is completed ithe butterliy valve isuturnedto the forwardV flow position for theupperl pump `1`1g3`tliuls permitting the fluid in .the conduit to:

ratsV through tho oppor pump tg be discharged through the, drain! This continuos through the damp .otr operation. i t

Fora review of thoow of duid, reference may be made to Figure'Q. i f Y lInn-the filtering process,A usually during Washing of clothesin the tub, 'when the butterfly valve 8.0 is positioned as shown in1 Figure 6, no liuid will enter the'upper pump 113, and fluid w'lliow from tub 12 through elements 132, 115, 128, 134, and back into tub 12. Y'Vl/hen butteriiy'valve 80 is reversed from the position shown in Figure 6 during the pumplout operations', iiow' i f flltk'e'plalce from 4tub 12 througli'ele'ments 1143 and'51 e 'aber tiene ne so' or dem use s4- i .he todo; rlotor'oiioroto' when btttorflv vali/'o 8.0 is positioned inthe upperpump 113 as is shovvnin Figure 6, pump 113 will pumpy tovvard conduit 49.. This will allori to. tltovtatt from. Sttdt tank 47 through riiyf 'valve 80 inthe Atilio, en'dfofV thev Vperiodftli'e butteriiyvalve Si]A s norrlngl forward position andA the'v elements 53.51.1132, 140,132,115, 12s, and'. istinto. t'ub"'12. "2".' Y

Inthermodij ation shovvnK in,v Fitur@` 3a'the flow during'the suds` neturningV operation will divide `between conduits 4? andl 13,210' producea partial filtering of Ythe returned suds:U Thus it vvillbeseen that I have provided a pump whichA is housedvin a singleA unit and driven by a single drive shaft which performs the functions and meets the objectives hereiribefore` set forth. A s will be recognized, the pump is inexpensive andsimplefto construct and requires. only several additional. parts to form, the multiple unit pump fromftheffsingleupperportion, The pump requires little additional povyer for operation and yet performs a` plurality of'C functions not possible with the use ofthe upper pumpralorie.

tibo Pomp Syst employs thopump unitwith a simple. check valve arrangem'eiitwhich in its entirety is simple 'tof assemble 'and' construct and requires very little space Within the. Washer chamber.` Further, there are few working parts to get out yof order and the mechanism is'r capable of continued operation without adjustment or failure. The `pump.`system functions to perform the necessary operations in removing the waterrfrom the tub toV return the: 's udsy wash water as wellv as performing a continuous filtering of ythe ywash water and rinse Water` and filtering the suds vvateI before it is returned forv subf sequent use vvithinthe Washer.

l have, in the'drawings and specification, presented,- a detailed disclosure of the preferred embodiment of my invention, but it is to be understood that L do not intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed but intend. to cover alimodiiications, changes and alterna` tive constructions and methodsI falling within the scope of the priuciplesLtaught by my invention.

Iclaim as my invention; v 1. A iiuid circulation ystem for an automaticV washer comprising a tubiforg containing iiid'for applying to articles for. awashing' operationa` first uid pump having oo inlet Port todo. diso'horsoport .o sooood Rump. having anl in let port and. a discharge port, al fluid, filter positioned to discharge intolthe tub, a discharge conduit connecting the dischargeport thevsecondV pump to the fluid filter to ouest, :tv-asili tuto'therthroogu: ool'iolot -oottooit coef f necting the inlet portof the, pu'rnp ,to theY tub, an

inlet conduit conneotingthevinlet pourtlof the second pump to Athoinlet. conduit 'of 'thel'first pump, a dischargel conduit Coooottiosrtho oioohorgorott of thotrst pomo to o droit! and. to o soot stores@ otlttmbtr, moans for 'reversing tho' ow of tho. ttst patrio'. to ottollrov the. inlet Port too dit* charge :porti andthe discharge' port to an inlet port,fand

volvo'toooos in thofiftllt'ootldoit of thro tfst pump, between the. 'tub and the oooiootionf to tho iulot., ooodoit ofthoi Sooond pr'rll?V to block tho tiovvvof` uid from 'the first pump to theuibA and direct it through the inlet conduitfor Athe second pump to permit the second pump to force fluid returned from said suds storage chamber through `the filter back into the tub.

2. A iluid. circulation system for anautornatic washer comprising a tub for containing uid for applying to articles for a Washing operation,'a first uid pump having aninlet port and a discharge port, a` second p'um'p having an inlet port and 'a' discharge port, a iiuid lter positioned to dischargey lintothe tub, a discharge conduit connecting' the discharge port df the second puinp to 'the iiuidiiltr t toi'direct Wash'luid'the'rethrugh, ninlet conduit co-r nectiijg theinlet liv f the:l pilmp'to the 'fllbj inlet couduitconriec'ted'tothe'iinlet lport the second" pump and to said inlet'port of f rst pump, 'means rfr operating the first "p'omii to oost o, ,flou of. fluid, from. the tub through tot iolfot Port and outlet Potttofo Stof o; container, and forvopeijatifng the -ii'r's't pump to cause a flovv of fluid from the storage container back through sad discharge conduis selectively, and otros tot '11 the storage fluid from the rst pump inletport through thelsccondpzump andwthrough the fluid filter. i

:f3.1 Afluidcirculation system lfor an automatic washer comprising a tub f or containing fluid for washing, rinsing and extracting operations, a housing for a rfirst and a second pump having first and second inlet ports and first a and second discharge ports for said first and second. pumps respectively, said firstpumpmounted within-the housing to direct flow of fluid from said first inlet port through said first discharge port, said second pump mountedwithin said housing and adaptedto direct the flow of fluid from said second inlet port through said second discharge port, a fluid filter positioned to discharge into the tub. a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the second pump to the fluid filter to direct wash-fluid therethrough. an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the first pump to the tub, an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the second pump to the inlet conduit of the first pump. a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the first pump to a drain and to a suds storage chamber, means for reversing the flow 'of the first pump to change the inlet port to a discharge port and the discharge port to an inlet port. and valve means in the inlet conduit of' the first pump between the tub and the connection to the inlet conduit of the second pump toblcck the flow of fluid from the first pump to the tub and direct it through the inlet conduit for the second pump to permit the second pump to force the fluid from the suds storage chamber through the filter back into the tub. n

4. A kfluid circulation system for an automatic washer comprising a tub for containing fluid for applying to articles for a washing operation. a first fluid pump having an inlet port and a discharge port. a second pump having an inlet port and a discharge portja fluid filter positioned to discharge into the tuh. a housing for said first pump, an impeller within said housing adapted to force lthe fluid from the inlet port of the first pump Vthrough the discharge port of said first pump` a housing for the second pump. an impeller within said second pump housing adaptedto force the fluid from the inlet port of said second pump through the discharge port of saidsecond pump.- a common-driveshaft extending through said first and second housings and connected to said impellers, means for driving said drive shaft to concurrently operate said impellers. a dischargecouduit connecting Ythe discharge port of the second pump to the fluid filter to direct wash Huid therethrough. an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port vof the first purrm to the tub. an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the second pump to the inlet conduit of the first nur'n. a discharge conduit connecting the discharge portA of the first pump to a suds storage chamber, means for reversing the flow of the first pump to. change the inlet port to a discharge port and the discharge port to an inlet port. and valve means in the inlet conduit of the first pump between the tub and the connection to the inlet conduit of the second pump to block the flow of fluid `tror'nthe first''pump to they ltub and direct it through the inlet conduit forthe second pump to permit the second pump to force returned fluid from the suds storage chamber through the filter.

. -5. A fluid circulation system for an automatic washer comprising a tubfor containing fluid for applying to articles .for a washing operation, means for filling the tub with, fresh water, a first Afluid pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, asecond pump having an inlet port and a discharge port. a fluid filter positioned to discharge into the tub, a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the second pump to thefluid filter to direct wash fluid therethrough, an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port o f the first pump to the tub, an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the second pumoto the inlet conduit of the first pump, a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the first pump to a drain, a common drive for said first and second pumps,

means to opgrafeid drin: during,washinslrinsins and etracting operations andto permit the pumps A"to remain idleduring operationffof`r said 'filling means, meansfor reversing the flow throughV the first pump without reversing` said drive; and valve means in the inletV conduit of the-first pumpbetween theA tub and the connection to the inlet conduit .ofthe second pump to block the flow of fluid from the first pump to the tub when the flow is reversed and direct it through the inletV conduitY for the second pump to permit the second pump to force fluid through the filter.

` 6. A fluid circulation system for an automatic washer comprising a tub for containing fluid for applying to articles for'a washing operation, a first fluid pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, a second pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, a first discharge conduit adapted to connect the discharge port of the first pump to a drain,v a fluid filter positioned to discharge into the tub, a second discharge conduit connecting the discharge port `of? the second pump to the fluid filter to direct wash fluid therethrough, a first inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the first pump to the tub, a second inlet conduit connected to the inlet port of the vsecond pump and leading to the first inlet conduit of the first pump to receive fluid only if the`frst inlet conduit of the first pump is blocked between the connection of the inlet conduit of the second pump and the tub, means for blocking flow through said'inlet conduit located between the tub andthe connection of the second inlet conduit, and means for preventing the flow into the first pump through said first inlet port and operar tive to direct the fluid from the tub through said second pump and through said second discharge conduit back into the tub. Y y

7. A fluid circulation system for an automatic washer comprising a tub for .containing fluid vfor applying to articles for a washing operation', a-first fluid pump having an inlet port and 'a discharge port, a second pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, arfluid filter po-v sitioned tordisch'arge into the, tub, adischarge conduit connecting the discharge portrof the second pump to the fluid filter to 4direct wash-fluid therethrough,V aninj let conduit connecting the inlet port offthe firstk pump to the tub; an inlet conduit connectingthe inlet port of the second pump to the inlet vconduit o fi'gthe .first pump, a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the first pump to a drain, and means for preventing flow through said inlet conduit to the first pump whereby the fluid will flow through the inlet conduit of the second pump to permit the second pump to force the fluid from the washer through the filter back intothe tub.

8. A fluid circulation system for an automatic washer.

comprising a tub for containing fluid for applying to ar fluid filter to direct wash fluid therethrough, an inlet conduit vconnecting the inlet port of the first pump to the tub, an inlet conduit connected to'the inlet port of the second ,pump and joined to'the inlet: conduit ofthe first pump to lead from the upper side thereof so that fluid may flow through the inlet conduitr for the first pump without entering the inlet conduit of the second pump, a dischargeconduit connecting the discharge port of the first pump to ;aY suds Astorage chamber, and meansfor reversing theflow of the first pump to change the inlet portto a discharge Iport andthe discharge port to an inlet port to direct yfluid vfrom the suds storage chamber through the first pumpinto the inlet conduit of the second pump and through the filter to direct the fluid back into the tub. l

9. A fluid `circulation system for an automatic washer comprising a tub for containing fluid for applying to aran inlet port andi a discharge portLasecond pump having an inlet port and a' discharge port, a'fiuidfilter po-V sitioned tov discharge into Athe tub,A adischarge` conduit connecting the'discharge port of thesecond pump tofthe fiuid` filter to direct washfluid "therethrough, `'an inlet conduit connecting the inlet'port of` the first pump to the tub, an inlet conduit connecting theinlet por'tof' the second pump to the inlet conduit of the first pump, a discharge conduit adapted to connect the discharge port of the first pump to a suds storage chamber, means for reversing the fiow of the first pump to change the inlet port to a discharge port and the discharge port to an inlet port, and a reverse fiow preventing check valve in the inlet conduit of the first pump located between the tub and the connection to the inlet conduit of the second pump to block fiow of fluid from the first pump to the tub when the fiow of the first pump is reversed to pump suds `from the suds storage chamber and to direct the fluid through the second pump and through the filter back into the tub.

10. A fluid circulation system for an automatic washer comprising a tub for containing fiuid for applying to articles for a washing operation, a first iiuid pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, a second pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, a fiuid filter positioned to discharge into the tub, a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the second pump to the fiuid filter to direct wash fluid therethrough, an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the first pump to the tub, an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the second pump to the inlet conduit of the first pump, a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the first pump to a suds storage chamber, said inlet conduit leading to the inlet port of the first pump leading downwardly from the tub at an angle between Y.vertical and horizontal, a fiap valve pivotally suspended within the inlet conduit for the first pump between the V'tub and the connection of `thevinlet conduit for the n second pump to the inlet conduit fonthev first pump and fiow controlled to move to an open position with tion with theow toward the tub, and means forre-v versing theflow of the first pump to change the inlet port to a discharged port and the dischargefport to.

an inlet port to thereby force fluid through the second pump through the filter and back into the tub.

11. A fiuid circulationrsystem for an automatic washer comprising a tub for containing fiuid for applying to articles for a washing operation, a pump housing having a first inlet port and discharge port and a second inlet and discharge port, first and second impellers mounted within the housing to force liuids through their respective ports, a common drive shaft supporting said impellers, a fluid filter positioned to discharge into the tub, a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the second pump to the fiuid filter to direct wash fluid therethrough, an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the first pump to the tub, an inlet conduit connecting the inlet port of the seco-nd pump to the inlet conduit of the first pump, a discharge conduit connecting the discharge port of the first pump to a suds lstorage chamber, means'for reversing the flow of the first pump to change the inlet port to a discharge port and the dischargeport to an inlet port, and archeck valve in the inlet cronduit of the first pumpV between the tub and the connection to thefinlet conduit of the second pump closing with fiow of fluid toward the tub and'opening with fiow of fiuid away from the tub to direct fiuid from the first pump through the secondpump when the first pump flow is reversed to carry theuidfrom the sudsstorage Vchamber through the filter backinto' the tub.

12. A fluid circulation system for an automatic washer comprising a tub for containing fiuid for applying to articles fora washing operation, a'rst fluid pump havf` positioned-to discharge., into the tub,l a discharge, confl duit,Y connecting, the discharge porti ofjthe second; pump,

' to theV fluid. filter to direct washffluid therethrough, an

meansvin the inlet conduit of the first pump betweenV the tub and the connection to the inlet conduit of the second pump to block the fiow of fluid from the first pump to the tub and direct it through the inlet conduit for the second pump to permit the second pump to force fiuid through the filter back into the tub.

13. A fluid circulation system for an automatic washer comprising a tub for containing fiuid for applying to articles for a washing operation, a first pump, first conduit means leading from the first pump to the tub, second conduit means leading from the first pump and adapted to be operatively connected to a storage chamber for the storage of fiuid between washing operations, a second pump, third conduit means leading from the second pump to the tub, fourth conduit means leading from the first conduit means to the second pump and means for simultaneously operating said pumps so that fiuid from said second conduit means is passed through said first conduit means to said tub and through said fourth conduit means and said third conduit means to said tub simultaneously, to effect rapid filling of said tu-b.

14. A fiuid circulation system for an4 automatic washer provided with a suds storagetchamber and including a tub for containing fluid for applying toarticles for a washingl operation, the system comprising a first fluid pump provided with an inlet leading from the tub f and an outlet leading to'the suds storage chamber;v and fiow from the tub and to move to avclosed posi-y 'adapted` to empty the tub to pump the fiuid into the m storage chamber, said first pump being reversible to returnffluid from the storage chamber to the tub a secv, ond fluid pumpprovided with an outlet leading tothe' --tub and an inlet connected to 4the inletV of the first pump to receive fluid from thetub for recirculating the "washing fluid, a4 fluid filter associated with the outlet of the second pump, and meansfor simultaneously operating both pumps with the first `pump operating in reverse to return fluid to the tub by action of both pumps with the first pump returning fluid through the inlet of the first pump and the second pump obtaining a portion of the fiuid discharged from the inlet of the reversed first pump and returning the fluid through the outlet of the second pump.

ports, a common drive shaft supporting said impellers,

and means for reversing the fiow through the first pump impeller to cause a flow into the first outlet port and out of the first inlet port without changing the direction ofpfrotation of the drive shaft whereby the first impellerwill cause a flow in either directionand the second impeller will cause a fiow in one direction only with the impeller operatingatthe same speed.

16. A fluid circulation pump for a washing machine or thelike comprising a first pump unit having an inlet and a'discharge port, a second pump unit having an inlet and a discharge port,` means for drivingv said pumps, a first inlet conduit connected to the inlet port of the first pump, a second inlet conduit Ycondischarge-portr'a second pump,Y l

nected touthe' ilgletfporg'offltlisecond pump-land Vecm- References Cite'd uthe'ile of this patent n h 'p U-Nl'rEDr-gTATEsVPATENTs 2,298,096 `2,391,811, u 2155412.29 V2,562,610

Graharu et.al. Feb. 8, 1955 

